And even the Spanish fleet would have been a much graver opponent in Manila Bay, but for Lord Cromer.

On its way from Spain through the Suez Canal a formidable part of Spain's navy stopped to coal at Port Said.

There is a law about the coaling of belligerent warships in neutral ports.

Lord Cromer could have construed that law just as well against us.

His construction brought it about that those Spanish ships couldn't get to Manila Bay in time to take part against Admiral Dewey.